Kinzua Rocks The Wake adds magic, acoustic music to festivities

Brenden Trojan blends fast-paced magic, mind-reading, and sleight-of-hand in a performance designed to entertain both kids and adults. Trojan will perform Sept. 1 at Kinzua Rocks the Wake.
- Brenden Trojan blends fast-paced magic, mind-reading, and sleight-of-hand in a performance designed to entertain both kids and adults. Trojan will perform Sept. 1 at Kinzua Rocks the Wake.
- Mr. Kazam, a two-time Magician of the Year and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” alumni, is pictured performing in Kentucky earlier this year. The magician will perform at Kinzua Rocks the Wake on Aug. 30.
In addition to the already announced water stunts, the Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 festival will now include comedy magicians and live acoustic music.
“This event is truly a celebration of everything that makes northwest Pennsylvania special–our people, our natural beauty, and our love for big community events,” said Casey Ferry, event co-organizer and Director of Tourism for the Warren County Visitors Bureau. “Every single performance and activity was chosen to give people something to remember.”
The weekend kicks off daily at noon on the Kinzua Beach Stage with magic and comedy acts that include:
– Saturday, Aug. 30: Mr. Kazam, a two-time Magician of the Year and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” alum, performs interactive illusions, floating objects, and a live “sawing in half” act;

Mr. Kazam, a two-time Magician of the Year and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us” alumni, is pictured performing in Kentucky earlier this year. The magician will perform at Kinzua Rocks the Wake on Aug. 30.
– Sunday, Aug. 31: Sky Wands takes the stage with rapid-fire impressions, outrageous audience participation, and offbeat improvisation; and
– Monday, Sept. 1: Brenden Trojan blends fast-paced magic, mind-reading, and sleight-of-hand in a performance designed to entertain both kids and adults.
The heart of the event remains the thrilling water stunts by two powerhouse teams: Chippewa Lake Water Ski Team from Ohio, and Ski Extreme, a freestyle jet ski and flyboarding group from Wisconsin
Alternating shows begin each day at 1 p.m., with additional shows every hour on Monday from 1 to 4 p.m.
“These are elite performers who travel the country,” Ferry said. “It’s not every day you get to see them right here in Warren County.”
After the ski shows, acoustic musicians keep the good vibes going, including:
– Saturday: 1 p.m., Dan Roche (Port Allegany, Pa.); 4 p.m., Miranda Wilcox, followed by the Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute at 8:30 p.m.
– Sunday: 1 p.m. – Kallie Williams (Warren, Pa.); 4 p.m., Interstate Daydream (Rick Emley and Margie Tucker), opening for The Classic Rock Experience at 8:30 p.m.
– Monday: 1 p.m., Doug Rigby (Ohio), 2 p.m., Marty’s Bubble Gum.
Main Stage Concerts at 8:30 p.m. Saturday: The Ultimate Garth Brooks Tribute featuring Shawn Gerhard, and Sunday: The Classic Rock Experience, a tribute to 1970s arena rock.
One highlight this year is the emphasis on regional food and drink vendors.
“We’re bringing in nationally touring acts, but we’re also keeping the heart of the event local,” Ferry said. “We want to show off the best of both Warren and McKean counties.”
Food and beverage vendors include: Bent Run Brewing, Bradford Brew Station, Flickerwood Wine Cellars, Brokenstraw Valley Winery Full House Eatery, Mother Cluckers, Beefeaters, Eddie’s on Main, LJ Treats, and Sweet Sarah’s Kettle Korn.
There will not be craft or artisan vendors, but Ferry added, “We’re keeping the focus on food, drink, entertainment, and community spirit.”
Meet the Performers? You Bet.
“With how the schedule is laid out, I have to imagine there will be time for mingling,” said Ferry. “The performers – especially the water skiers – are really approachable. They love meeting fans.”
What if it rains?
Ferry explained, “A little rain won’t stop most of the entertainment. The only thing that might be affected are the water stunts, depending on how severe the weather is. Emergency weather situations are a different story, of course, but we’ve planned for as much flexibility as possible.”
Kinzua Rocks the Wake is made possible through support from Visit PA, and collaboration between the Warren County Visitors Bureau and Trail Central, McKean County’s visitors bureau.
“Working with Trail Central has been one of the best parts of this whole process,” Ferry shared. “They’re fun, professional, and totally dedicated to making this a success.”
Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. For a full schedule of events, visit www.KinzuaRockstheWake.com and follow the fun on social media.
“This event is about more than just the stunts or the music,” said Ferry. “It’s about celebrating who we are as a region–and having an amazing time while we do it.”